A demand letter puts an organization on formal notice that its policy is harming women and breaking the law, and asks it to change before the matter goes to court.
ICONS has sent them to the NCAA and to the presidents of Mountain West Conference universities, often with athletes, parents and other groups signing on.
Letters we sent or joined
September 24, 2024 · Mountain West Conference
Demand letter to Mountain West Conference university presidents
ICONS demanded that Mountain West presidents act immediately to protect their women volleyball players' Title IX and equal-protection rights, as San José State fielded a male player on its women's team. It warned that the conference, San José State and the NCAA were violating federal law.
“the only way sport can be safe, fair and equal for women is to maintain a protected female category that excludes male competitors.” From the letter, p. 2
January 11, 2024 · NCAA
2024 coalition demand letter to the NCAA
A coalition of women's groups including ICONS renewed its demands that the NCAA repeal policies that let male athletes compete on women's teams, enforce sex-based eligibility and require single-sex locker rooms. The letter also asked the NCAA to meet with affected female athletes.
“Without single-sex competition there can be no equal athletic opportunity.” From the letter, p. 1
January 12, 2023 · NCAA
2023 legal demand letter to the NCAA
ICONS formally notified the NCAA that allowing male athletes on women's teams is illegal sex discrimination. It demanded that the NCAA keep women's sports female and require single-sex locker rooms.
“In the world of college sports, it is impossible to provide equal opportunities for both sexes (as required by Title IX) without female-only teams.” From the letter, p. 1